In Honduras, Lunches For Learning or L4L works actively to alleviate rural poverty. It is a non-profit organization that funds not only school supplies, construction of buildings, and community kitchens for mothers to cook, but also encourages and helps children to attend school.
In February, the Royal Oak Community UMC partnered with L4L and raised funds that would sponsor the education and nutrition of children of an entire village in rural Honduras for the whole year. The school that is benefitting from such a collaboration is called Dionisio de Herrera.
Most children in the area cannot afford uniforms and basic school supplies and are forced to beg on the streets. But the L4L program brings hope so that children can now attend school for long durations.
L4L ensures that all supplies are locally accessible, thereby improving economic growth, and welcomes local volunteers to participate in their own development.
Lunches for Learning was begun by Ronald Hicks, the father-in-law of the current pastor of the Royal Oak UMC, Chris Pettit. In 2006, Hicks came across a small girl during his travel through Honduras. The girl was impoverished and could not afford school. She reminded Hicks of his own daughter and the difference between the opportunities the children could access. He decided to sponsor the child’s education. Thus began the journey of Learning for Lunches. Starting with one student, today L4L serves 25 schools and 1500 children.
The Royal Oak UMC has raised $2500 for the school and Hicks is thankful that he and his community can help so many Honduran children have better futures.
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